Our People

Walt joined the Foundation as the Interim Director in October of 2009, and was named full-time Executive Director in May of 2010. Prior to joining the Foundation Walt was a partner and manager in several businesses, including two bowling centers, two restaurants, a trucking company, a merchandising company and a real estate holding company.

Fraternally Walt was Worshipful Master of Grand Rapids Lodge No. 34 in 1985. He served as Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Michigan in 2006-2007 and served as Grand Treasurer of the Grand Lodge from January of 2008 until September of 2010. He is a senior member of the Order of DeMolay where he is a Past Master Councilor and a Past District Master Council. He has received the degree of Chevalier, the Legion of Honor and is a Deputy Member of the DeMolay Supreme Council. He is a Past High Priest of Grand Rapids Chapter No. 7 Royal Arch Masons, a Past Thrice Illustrious Master of Tyre Council No. 10 Royal and Select Masons, and a Past Commander of DeMolai Commandery No. 5 Knights Templar. He is a member of St. Vincent's Conclave of the Red Cross of Constantine, he is a Past Sovereign Master of Mt. Moriah Council No. 128 Allied Masonic Degrees, and a member of the West Michigan York Rite College No. 10. In addition he is a member of Peninsular Chapter No. 65 Order of Eastern Star, Noruh Grotto M.O.V.P.E.R., the Michigan College of the Rosicrucians and Furniture City High Twelve Club. In the Scottish Rite, he is a Past Thrice Potent Master, a Past Sovereign Prince and a Past Commander-in-Chief in the Valley of Grand Rapids. He was coroneted a 33rd degree Mason in 1997 and was crowned an Active Member of the Supreme Council in 2009.

Kelly McPherson is the Philanthropy Operations Manager for the Michigan Masonic Charitable Foundation. Before joining the Foundation, Kelly was a member of the Masonic Pathways’ team for four years. She is currently responsible database administration, donor relations, gift processing and assisting with Development activity.

Kristina Ostrander joined the Foundation on June 30, 2014. She previously worked for Masonic Pathways for 16 years in a variety of positions. She is excited to start her new adventures with the Foundation. Her responsibilities include processing invoices, and expense reports, proofing documents and assisting in many of the Foundations Programs.

Ryan joined the Foundation in December of 2017 as a development officer and Lodge liaison. Prior to joining the MMCF team, he served as executive director of the Owosso Community Players, and the executive director of the Oakland schools Education Foundation, and also worked as Marketing and Membership Manager for Oakland University, and the Director of Alumni Communication and Digital Media for the University of Miami. He is a twice Past Master of Holly Lodge No. 134, where he currently serves as secretary.

Chris comes to the Foundation after serving in the same capacity with the Grand Lodge since October of 2008. Prior to his work with the Grand Lodge, Chris served as the District Representative for State Senator Ron Jelinek. As the Community Outreach Director, Chris oversees the operation of many community based lodge programs such as Beacon, Books for Bikes, and Child ID. Chris also has helped the fraternity gain valuable partnerships with groups such as the Lions of Michigan, Michigan Eye Bank, Michigan Sheriffs Association and most recently the Safe Kids Coalition. Working relationships have also been established in the business community with companies such as Babies R Us, Home Depot, Sears and Walmart.

Chris has a great passion for community service. This is clearly seen in his other organization affiliations. Chris is a charter member and on the Board of Directors of the Region of Three Oaks Museum, provides volunteer work in community outreach and volunteer management with the Willie Dixon’s Blues Heaven Foundation in Chicago and is a member of the Region of Three Oaks Rotary Club.

Chris is a member of Three Oaks Lodge #239, which is a valuable part of the Three Oaks community. Chris served as Worshipful Master in 1996 and was also the lodge’s Mason of the Year in 2000 and 2013 gaining District Mason of the Year in 2000.

Theresa Quezada came to the Foundation on August 21, 2013, after being employed almost 25 years with Masonic Pathways, her most recent position being Admissions Manager. As Development Officer, Theresa’s primary responsibility is to work with Masonic Pathways’ residents and employees. Additionally Theresa oversees the Sweethearts Society (a program designed to provide care for our Masonic widows.)

Dirk W. Hughes was raised a Master Mason in Valley City Lodge #86 (now Grand Rapids Lodge #34) in 1996, where he served as Worshipful Master for two terms from 2001 to 2003. He recently served again as Worshipful Master in Grand Rapids Lodge #34 for the 2014-2015 term. Active in the Scottish Rite NMJ, Brother Hughes served as Thrice Potent Master of Moriah Lodge of Perfection in 2007-2008 and was coroneted a 33° Mason in 2010. He has had a lifelong love of history and feels his B.A. in English and Juris Doctor degree act as strong compliments to that continuing devotion. In his spare time he enjoys writing, painting, camping, and beekeeping. Brother Hughes has been the interim monitor of the Michigan Masonic Museum and Library since April 2014. In his new capacity as Director, he looks forward to evolving the museum as a premier source of masonic and historical education for the fraternity and the general public alike.

Amanda joined the Foundation in July of 2017. She previously worked for Masonic Pathways for nearly 12 years holding several different positions. She is very excited for this change of pace as an Administrative Assistant. As an Administrative Assistant her responsibilities include processing Community Charities, Scholarships, and memorial donations, as well as helping to keep our database updated and other general office duties.

Omar Flores married his wife Elizabeth Flores in 2004. They live in East Grand Rapids with their sons, ages 7 and 4. Omar has been a clinical master social worker specializing in at-risk populations as well as substance abuse treatment since 2007. He has also taught a year-long class in the Western Humanities at Aquinas College since 2010. Omar became a Master Mason in 2008 when he joined Grand Rapids Lodge, No. 34. He was appointed a Grand Steward of the Grand Lodge of Michigan for the 2015 - 2016 Masonic term. He has twice served as a Worshipful Master of Grand Rapids Lodge, and is also a 32° Mason in the Scottish Rite Valley of Grand Rapids and a is a member of the Furniture City High Twelve Club. In addition, he serves as the Secretary of the Grand Rapids Masonic Temple Association. He has served as a member of the Widows and Orphans Committee and the Diversity Committee of the Grand Lodge of Michigan. Omar was elected to a three-year term on the Michigan Masonic Charitable Foundation Board of Trustees in 2013. He has served as the chairman of the Human Resources Committee of the Board and as a member of the Museum and Library Committee. Omar has been twice elected as the Board Vice President and currently serves as President. A native of Detroit, Omar enjoys frequent trips back for sports and cultural events.

W. Don Baugher, PGM

Wesley L. Berry

Paul Magy

William R. Finkel, Vice President

Howard Crumit, Jr.

Grand Lodge of
Free and Accepted Masons of Michigan
- Elected Officers -